When winter arrives in the Mineral, VA area, you and your family will need to rely heavily on your heating system for comfort. As the temperature drops, you may be tempted to have your heater running frequently throughout the day and night. However, running your heating system too often can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. For this reason, many families are forced to choose between keeping their homes comfortable and affording their monthly heating costs. At Air Nerds, we don’t believe you should have to make that choice. In this article, we’ll cover several simple, effective HVAC-related tips to reduce your energy bills this winter without sacrificing your comfort.
1. Schedule a Heating Tune-Up
Ideally, you should schedule professional furnace maintenance at least once every year. If you’re overdue for this service, it would be wise to get it taken care of now, before the harsh winter weather rolls in. At Air Nerds, our expert technicians can perform a comprehensive heating tune-up in your home. We’ll thoroughly inspect your furnace, run tests to ensure that it’s running smoothly, and clean the important components. We’ll also check for any mechanical problems or warning signs of impending issues.
Professional heating maintenance will provide your household with numerous benefits. For one, it will reduce strain on your furnace, improving its energy efficiency and lowering your energy bills. Additionally, your heating system will provide more consistent comfort and be far less likely to break down or malfunction when you need it most.
2. Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned
Scheduling professional air duct cleaning is another simple, effective way to reduce your energy bills this winter. When you turn on your heater, it must push warm air through your ductwork. From there, your ducts distribute conditioned air to the various areas of your house. However, air ducts can gradually become clogged with contaminants, such as dust, dirt, mold, pest droppings, and pet dander. Eventually, those contaminants will begin to obstruct airflow in your heating system. This forces your furnace to work much harder to do its job, resulting in more costly energy bills.
Generally, it’s best to schedule duct cleaning every three to five years. During this service, trained professionals will remove the contaminants from your ductwork. They will also check the ducts for leaks or other damage that can affect your comfort and energy costs. At Air Nerds, we offer expert duct cleaning services, which will improve your HVAC system’s performance and leave you with cleaner, better-smelling indoor air.
3. Clean Your Air Vents
Like your ductwork, your home’s air vents play an important role in the heating process. After warm air from your furnace travels through the air ducts, it must pass through the vents. This ensures that heat is evenly distributed. Unfortunately, air vents are also susceptible to becoming dirty or clogged. For this reason, it’s prudent to clean your home’s air vents at least a few times per year. To clean them, use a screwdriver to remove the covers. You can use warm water and dish soap to wipe them down. While they are drying, use a vacuum to clean inside the frame up to where your ductwork begins.
You should also ensure items like area rugs, drapes, and furniture do not block the supply and return vents. Vents need about 3 feet of clearance on each side for proper airflow.
4. Lower Your Thermostat at Night
Believe it or not, lowering your thermostat by just seven to 10 degrees before bed each night can significantly impact your energy costs. Consider lowering your thermostat just before you go to bed. You should be able to stay warm under the covers, but you’ll give your heater a break for about 8 hours. Over an entire winter, doing this every night can save you quite a bit of money on energy bills.
Your Local Heating Experts
At Air Nerds, we have over 65 years of experience as a family-owned and operated business. We’re proud to provide consistently excellent heating services to residents of Mineral, VA and the surrounding area. Our expert technicians can provide a full range of heating and air conditioning services, including maintenance, repairs, and installation. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians.
